Grading Policy

• An effective grading policy improves communication among all stakeholders (i.e. parents, students, other teachers, guidance counselors) and diagnoses student weaknesses early and accurately so that students receive the help they need.
• An effective grading practice uses a combination of formative and summative assessments and reflects student achievement in reference to standards.
• Grades have value as rewards but no value as punishments. Instead of promoting greater effort, low grades often cause students to withdraw from learning. (Guskey and Bailey)

Procedures

• Evaluation of students should be made based upon careful analysis of the development of the student over the entire period for which he/she is being rated.
• Teachers must be able to justify grades and statements. Teachers should collect data in the form of test scores, folders/portfolios, and samples of class work. In addition, notes should be made of other pertinent information that the teacher may feel is important to discuss with the parents during parent/teacher conferences.

Kindergarten 
Progress reports are given to Kindergarten parents/guardians 4 times a year. They reflect the current common standards being taught and assessed. They consist of a checklist. The checklist has three categories: above level, on level or below level. 

Grades 1 to 6

• Grades must be given on a level 1 to 4 scale. Level 1 indicates the student is not meeting grade level standards and a Level 4 indicates the student exceeds the standards.
• In the Report Card, clearly indicate in RED a grade given in any subject that the student is performing below grade level expectations (Levels 1 & 2.)
• A Level 1, clearly indicated in RED, is given in any subject that a student has been excessively late to his first period class.
• A Level 1, clearly indicated in RED, is given to a student who has been excessively absent from school.

Grades 7 & 8

• Number grades must be given in increments of five (5) from 65-90. Grades may be given in increments of one (1) if a student achieved a grade greater than 90.
• A grade of 55, clearly indicated in RED, is given in any subject that the student has failed.
• A grade of 45, clearly indicated in RED, is given in any subject that a student has been excessively late to his first period class.
• A grade of 40, clearly indicated in RED, is given to a student who has been excessively absent from school.

SCALES/WEIGHTSWhen assessing a student’s performance, please adhere to the following scales and weights:

Grades 1 & 280% of student’s grade = class work and exams
10 % of student’s grade = homework
5% of student’s grade = class participation
5% of a student's grade = credit from projects, etc.

Grades 3 to 675% of student’s grade = class work and exams
10 % of student’s grade = homework
5% of student’s grade = class participation
10% of a student's grade = credit from projects, etc.

Please note: In grades 1 to 6, the percentages are given exclusively to convert the percentage ✻ correct to a proficiency levels when needed (e.g. to correct a math quiz). Rubrics must be used at all other times. Percentages are not to be used to give feedback to students or parents.

Grades 7 & 870 – 75% of student’s grade = class work and exams
10 – 15% of student’s grade = homework
10 – 15% of student’s grade = class participation